Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Sep 2009
Case ReportsRuptured subclavian artery pseudo-aneurysm associated with Neurofibromatosis type 1.
A subclavian artery aneurysm associated with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF 1) is extremely rare. We report a ruptured pseudo-aneurysm of the subclavian artery in a patient with NF 1 treated with endovascular surgery. ⋯ Our patient is the first reported example of successful endovascular treatment for a ruptured subclavian artery pseudo-aneurysm associated with NF 1. Endovascular stenting and coil embolisation for the ruptured subclavian artery pseudo-aneurysm was very effective.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Sep 2009
Comparative StudyA comparison between surgical resection in combination with WBRT or hypofractionated stereotactic irradiation in the treatment of solitary brain metastases.
The standard treatment of solitary brain metastases previously has been tumour resection in combination with whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT). Stereotactic radiotherapy has emerged as a non-invasive treatment option especially for small brain metastases. We now report our results on resection + WBRT or hypofractionated stereotactic irradiation (HCSRT) in the treatment of solitary brain metastases. ⋯ This retrospective and non-randomised study indicates that surgical resection in combination with WBRT may be an option even for small brain metastases suitable for treatment with HCSRT. Since survival and local control following resection + WBRT was at least as favourable as compared to HCSRT alone, tumour location and expected neurological outcome may be the strongest aspect when selecting treatment modality.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Sep 2009
Navigated resection of giant intracranial meningiomas based on intraoperative 3D ultrasound.
Surgical resection of giant meningiomas may pose different challenges. Normal brain tissue is often compressed to the limit and is vulnerable to further traction. In addition, severe intraoperative bleeding may be a problem as many giant meningiomas are vascularised with deep feeding vessels entering from the skull base. Neuronavigation based on preoperative imaging can be of limited use as there may be extensive brain shifts during surgery. ⋯ We present a method of ultrasound-guided resection of giant meningiomas. The method enables image-guided resection through narrow approaches that minimise traction. Power Doppler angiography allows the identification of feeding vessels that may be coagulated to limit bleeding. Likewise, normal arteries can be avoided during surgery. The tumour capsule is often surprisingly easy to remove from the arachnoid membrane after gross intracapsular tumour reduction.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Sep 2009
Detection of tumour invasion into the pyramidal tract in glioma patients with sensorimotor deficits by correlation of (18)F-fluoroethyl-L: -tyrosine PET and magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging.
Standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) does not depict the true extent of tumour cell invasion in gliomas. We investigated the feasibility of advanced imaging methods, i.e. diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), fibre tracking and O-(2-[(18)F]-fluoroethyl)-L: -tyrosine ((18)F-FET) PET, for the detection of tumour invasion into white matter structures not visible in routine MRI. ⋯ Our data show an association between preoperative sensorimotor deficits, increased (18)F-FET uptake and decreased FA ratio in the pyramidal tract. We demonstrated a correlation between tumour invasion and (18)F-FET uptake. These findings may help to distinguish between edema versus tumour-associated neurological deficits and could prevent the destruction of important structures, like the pyramidal tract, during tumour operations by allowing more precise preoperative planning.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Sep 2009
Case ReportsSymptomatic enlargement of an occluded giant carotido-ophthalmic aneurysm after endovascular treatment: the vasa vasorum theory.
We describe a patient with a symptomatic left giant carotido-ophthalmic aneurysm who initially underwent coil embolization with subtotal obliteration. The patient's symptoms were initially stable, but 1 year later, she presented with a rapidly progressive contralateral visual deficit. Although angiogram showed a stable neck remnant, MR confirmed aneurysm growth and showed a new peripheral hematoma in the wall of the thrombosed aneurysm. ⋯ The patient's recent visual deficit markedly improved, and the angiogram did not reveal any residue. Giant aneurysms may continue to grow due to a hypertrophic vasa vasorum and subadventitial hemorrhages. Surgery should be considered if complete thrombosis of the aneurysm does not alleviate patient's symptoms.